The way you appoint your builder determines who carries risk, how costs are controlled, and how disputes are handled. In this episode, Tina and Bart explain procurement routes, common UK contracts, and the legal responsibilities homeowners often overlook — before they become expensive problems.

Understand the full journey of a successful home build — from the very first feasibility check through design, tender, construction and post-occupancy. Hosts break down the 8 RIBA stages, why technical design matters, where costs and risk hide, and how the right sequencing keeps your project on track, predictable and less stressful.

Why does your initial budget always shift? This episode reveals how early estimates can mislead, why true cost control starts with realistic planning, and how contingencies should reflect real variables — not optimism. Learn procurement choices, tracking tools, and how to keep your project financially under control from day one to handover.

Choosing the right team isn’t cosmetic — it’s one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. Explore what a design team really includes, who should lead it, and how early choices influence cost, quality, timelines and risk. Learn red flags, briefing tips, and why paying a little more for expertise early can save huge headaches later.

Planning permission isn’t just a tick-box — it’s strategy. This episode breaks down statutory approvals, permitted development, appeals, building regulations, inspections and final certification. Understand common pitfalls, party wall agreements, heritage constraints and why starting on site without the right approvals can cost you time, money and peace of mind.

Design isn’t just drawings — it’s defining how you’ll live in your home for years to come. Hosts unpack the journey from brief through concept, layout iterations, planning strategy, specialist input and on-site evolution. Learn why lifestyle considerations matter, when specialists join, and how good design saves money, time and regret.

Your build involves more people than you think. Discover who does what — from architects, project managers and quantity surveyors to engineers, contractors and regulators — and why clarity in roles matters. This episode helps you understand risk responsibility, team coordination, and how the right support protects your project’s success.

Jumpstarting a renovation or build isn’t about contactors — it’s about clarity. This episode explores the foundational questions homeowners often miss: what’s driving you, how to align goals, set realistic timelines, agree budgets as a family, and lay a clear brief. Learn why focusing on clarity first makes everything that follows easier.